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Project title

Private Transnational Environmental Regulation and Systemic Interactions in Global Environmental Governance

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

This research project will examine the emergence of the regulatory phenomenon of �private transnational environmental regulation� (PTER) as a means of improving environmental performance along global supply chains. The implementation of ambitious environmental standards across supply chains presents a significant regulatory challenge in an era when protectionism has re-emerged (e.g. Brexit, Trump). However, global environmental governance has responded to this challenge through the development of PTER which already operates across a range of critical sectors including forestry, agriculture, coffee production, sugar, cotton, marine, aquaculture, biomaterials, aluminium, jewellery, textiles, infrastructure and finance. This has led to the implementation of higher environmental standards even in supply chain jurisdictions where legal standards may be relatively low. PTER schemes are administered by bodies including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and subscription to such schemes by producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers along supply chains is voluntary. PTER subscribers are incentivised to participate in PTER schemes such as certification and labelling procedures as a growing number of environmentally conscious consumers are alerted to superior environmental performance of particular global supply chains in the delivery of goods, services and works. This research project will consider how PTER can contribute to the development and implementation of regulatory policy and strategy by examining the mutual interaction of PTER and law in relation to administrative standards, public procurement and environmental liability systems. This project will develop a typology of PTER schemes and actors and examine how PTER may function as a legislative laboratory wherein model rules and standards are tested. This research project will also conduct a case study in relation to how PTER could address �wicked� global problems such as �marine plastic pollution� (MPP). Scholars have suggested that in addressing such environmental challenges all normative means must be considered (Boisson deChazournes, 2011; Heyveart, 2017).

Grant Approved

�72,000.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/10/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/10/2023